CHAPTER XXXII.
COLORED INSURRECTIONS IN THE COLONIES.
The first serious effort at rebellion by the slaves
in the colonies, occurred in New York, in 1712; where,
if it had not been for the timely aid from the garrison,
the city would have been reduced to ashes. The
next insurrection took place in South Carolina, in
1720, where the blacks in considerable numbers attacked
the whites in their houses and in the streets.
Forces were immediately raised and sent after them, twenty-three of whom were taken, six convicted, three executed, and three escaped.
In October, 1722, about two hundred negroes near the mouth of the Rappahannock River, Virginia, got together in a body, armed with the intent to kill the people in church, but were discovered, and fled.
On the 13th of April, 1723, Governor Dummer issued a proclamation with the following preamble, viz:—
"Whereas, within some short time past, many fires have broke out within the town of Boston, and divers buildings have thereby been consumed: which fires have been designedly and industriously kindled by